Babkha
| دولت شاهنشاهی بابخا Dowlat-e Shâhanshâhi-ye Babkhâ Imperial State of Babkha | |||
| |||
| Motto: None | |||
| Anthem: None | |||
| |||
| Map versions | 3.5.0 - 6.8.5; 12.1 - 13.9.8; 14.2.4 - present | ||
| Capital | Raspur | ||
| Largest city | Raspur | ||
| Official language(s) | English, Farsi The latter is primarily ceremonial | ||
| Official religion(s) | |||
| Demonym | Babkhan, Babkhi | ||
| - Adjective | Babkhan, Babkhi | ||
| Government | Monarchy | ||
| - Shâhanshâh | Truvus Roshnâm Shâh | ||
| - Prime Minister | Amir Shervanis | ||
| - Legislature | None | ||
| Establishment | 12 October 2000 | ||
| Area | 9,728,732 km² | ||
| Population | Unknown | ||
| Active population | 11 | ||
| Currency | None | ||
| Calendar | |||
| Time zone(s) | |||
| Mains electricity | |||
| Driving side | |||
| Track gauge | |||
| National website | www.babkha.com | ||
| National forum | babkha.com/forum/ | ||
| National animal | Camelus dromedarius | ||
| National food | None | ||
| National drink | None | ||
| National tree | None | ||
| Abbreviation | BAB | ||
Babkha (Farsi: بابخا Babkhâ), officially the Imperial State of Babkha (Farsi: دولت شاهنشاهی بابخا Dowlat-e Shâhanshâhi-ye Babkhâ) is a nation occupying most of Eura. It is bordered by Ashkenatzi Mahoz HaSephardim to the northwest, north and east, Antican Eranistan to the north and northeast, an unnamed Alexandrian colony to the southeast, the Stormarkian High Queen Asa Isles and Land of Stormark's Rose to the south, and Natopian South Mehlville to the southwest.
Babkha is among the oldest nations in the sector, having been founded in the Autumn of 2000. It has spent the majority of its long history as a major power in the sector; even at its weakest times the wise knew not to underestimate Babkha, and the naive learned quickly. Babkha's also had a long history of being a melting pot for the community - many prominent micronationalists had their first micronational citizenship in Babkha and went on to hold others, and Babkha has had an unspoken tradition of having given many other talented micronationalists their first dual citizenship.
History
Early days
Babkha was founded on October 12 2000, as the Kingdom of Babkha. In the beginning it merely had a simple website and a humble declaration of micronationhood, as well as its founder's hope to turn his boyhood dream into reality. Titled Shah Babak XXVI, The young Shah, would later drop his Europeanised title in favor of the Persian title of Babak Kapav Mehr, "Babak, Light of Kapav". Kapav was the old name of the Province of Kapitalia, where mythically, Babak The Great ruled and went on to conquer the other Babkhan kingdoms to unite and found a single Babkhan nation.
Babkha had very humble beginnings, a small, simple website to announce its existence and a document, its first constitution that outlined the Shah's ambition to create a large, politically vibrant social and cultural experiment. The first people to become Babkhan citizens are notable, the very first was named Raqshid Hamdollayi, who would later change his name to Fath Ali Nouradin and be etched in Babkhan folklore with tales from his exploits in the Treesian war. Another significant Babkhan to join early on was the very first online citizen to be approved, a Finnish man with a self confessed love of the middle east adopted the name Tahmaseb Farshbaf and was soon appointed Vizier of Foreign Affairs, a post he would hold for close to two years.
Babkha grew in fame and notoriety, as its distinct culture started to evolve, and soon, within a month, on September 13th, the enigmatic Shah acquired a territory to the new Babkhan Empire. A deal was struck with Thomas Mountian, and Bathland was acquired as an "Autonomous Babkhan Territory". Babkha would go on to be one of the earliest micronations to join a new and dynamic organisation that had sprung up in the vacuum left by a nearly defunct LoSS. The League of Micronations was founded and would in the future become a fierce battle ground between Babkha and her adversaries, most notably the Rasinate of Qattera Macussia.
Political progress
Initially founded as a Despotism, the Shah soon granted the growing citizenry of Babkha a parliament and permitted the formation of Political Parties. The Parliament was named the "Majlis i Satrapan", and was initially a direct democracy. The founding parties were the Babkhan Liberal Centre Party, the Socialist Taj Party and the Conservative Party.
The political and legal landscape of Babkha would soon be changed dramatically however. A Czech judge named George Nantell became a Babkhan citizen and immediately drafted a constitution granting the Majlis equal power to the Shah and was appointed Minister of Justice to oversee the construction of a Judicial Branch of government. Within a month, a new constitution was passed through the Majlis and the position of Grand Vizier (Prime Minister) was created, initially, the Shah had the right to appoint the Grand Vizier, and it was Tahmaseb Farshbaf who was chosen for the Job. The new constitution had also created a Judiciary, with a Constitutional Tribunal, a Magistrates Court and a Supreme Court, Nantell was appointed Chief Justice and President of the Constitutional Tribunal.
The Political life of Babkha was taking shape at this point too, the BLCP grew to become a strong party, while the Socialist Taj was abandoned. At this time, a host of new citizens had arrived and a new political ideology had sprung up from the new citizens. The Rastakhiz movement, a political party, founded by and led by Ramin Qajar aimed for a Babkhan renaissance, and quickly established itself as a right wing nationalist party. One of the most devout followers of Qajar and the Rastakhiz movement, was a fresh military man named Ataxerxes.
At the same time, another ideology had found a home in Babkha, the Socialist movement brought in by former Reunion citizen Juan Pablo Var and El Doessen (who later adopted the Babkhan name of Mirza Malkom Khan) quickly gained ground in Babkha and Var was appointed Grand Vizier. The Socialist Peoples Party was quickly founded and in a move that led to mass sectarian violence, the SPP aligned itself with an aggressive international Communist movement, the Peoples Revolutionary Party. Babkha was rocked by riots between Rastakhizis and the SPP, with tensions climaxing with the PRP's decision to base itself in Kamalshahr, Babkha. Right wing pressure eventually forced the SPP to cut its ties with the PRP and caused the SPP itself to splinter, with Fath Ali Nouradin defecting and forming his own Islamic Front of Babkha Party, which would later be renamed to the Azadegan Party.
The Shah, forced to act to calm a volatile situation dissolved the Majlis and discharged the government. Fresh elections were called, and the Rastakhiz, now led by Ardashir Khan were tipped to take an easy victory. The Liberal Centre Party, quiet throughout the Socialist/Nationalist troubles had rebuilt itself unbeknownst to its rivals and had elected another new citizen as its leader. Pascale Dufoix, the first Babkhan woman to hold such a high position took the leadership and began campaigning immediately. In what is regarded as the most incredible election ever held in Babkha, the Majlis was split even down the middle with the BLCP surprisingly receiving the most votes and taking 2 seats in the Majlis, and the Rastakhiz taking 2 seats, with the IFB taking the fifth. The Socialist Peoples Party, demoralised and discredited by consistent Rastakhiz pressure disintegrated and failed to gain a single seat.
Babkha after Babak
A period of great peace and harmony existed in Babkha, with the BLCP and Rastakhiz in coalition government under the leadership of the first female Grand Vizier of Babkha, Pascale Dufoix, Babkha's political system was riding on its crest.
However, surprisingly and to the shock, sadness and surprise of the micronational community, Babkha's founder and much loved Shah abdicated the throne. Citing real life duties the Shah made a rare sacrifice and allowed the Kingdom to live on, hand picking his closest advisor and Military Chief, Ardashir Khan (Ataxerxes) to be his successor. The transition of power, rarely seen in micronationalism was one of the smoothest and celebrated events in Babkhan history. The end of one great dynasty gave way to the beginning of another. The Kapav Era had ended and in its place Ardashir was crowned as the first Shah of the Osmani dynasty. On January 2003, Babkha saw another succession of the throne whereby the Shah of the Osmani - a curious mix of writer, politician and soldier - who secretly had only intended to rule for the length of time needed to secure the continuation of the Kingdom, abdicated to be replaced by another hand picked successor, former Grand Vizier Tahmaseb Farshbaf, who started the Abakhtari line of the Radiant Throne.
Continued development
Once again the face of Babkha changed, new citizens poured in as old ones left, and new political powers emerged. The Azadegan Party, traditionally on the fringe of politics somehow came to the forefront of the political establishment with its leader, Umra Khan a new citizen and fierce advocate of Islamic Socialism took the helm. Within months, elections were held and contested by the BLCP and Azadegan, the Islamists gained their highest number of seats ever, taking two while the Liberals took charge of government. Surprisingly the Azadegan eventually faded from the limelight and by the next elections, a new political power came into being; the Behsaz or Renaissance Party. The Behsaz Party was the the largest party in Babkha and held the majority of the seats in the Majlis i-Mellat.
However, with the relaxation of rules on dual-citizenship, the Babkhan Left began a new resurgence under the former PRP activist Kuralyov and Hanoverian citizen Kevin Hood [Abbas Madani] who between them founded the Qermez Party, a secular replacement for the Islamist Azadegan, and gained a large following in a short space of time. Meanwhile a conservative mood had overtaken the Behsaz Party, which looked upon the successes of the first Behsaz administration as the pinnacle of the Babkhan achievement. Not everyone in Babkha shared this view. Indeed the Qermez railed against what it viewed as a lethargic and reactionary administration. Matters came to a head with the revival of the Babkhan Liberal Centre Party under Rakesh Ackbar, who decided to end cooperation with the Grand Vizierate of Ardashir Khan Osmani and moved the BLCP to a centre left platform. When the Shahanshah called elections in August 2003 the BLCP and Qermez quickly resolved to form a coalition to attempt to force the Behsazis out of government. The election was one of the hardest fought in Babkhan history, with both sides making inflammatory speeches and intense use of propaganda. In the end, in spite of the overall vote being too close to call, the Behsaz gained four of the five seats on the Majlis-i-Mellat. Magnanimously, Ardashir Khan Osmani offered government positions to his defeated rivals who for the most part accepted.
The Grand Commonwealth
In January 2004, Ardashir opted to resign his commission leading to a short lived administration headed by Hesam Jahandar. In the mean time, the alliance between Qermez and BLCP lead to a merger platform named the Rastakhiz Party. Hesam's successor Rakesh Ackbar formed a successful minority administration that lasted from March 2004 to Decmber 2005, when Rakesh was replaced after a short period of absence by Darius Rugahi, who basically continued the administration until the February 2005 elections. Influx of a few more conservative minded citizens and stagnation in the Rastakhiz Party led to an overwhelming victory for the Behsaz and a government under Rashid Arsalani was formed. During his administration the Grand Commonwealth came to life, a cooperation, yet not a complete merger between the micronations of Treesia, Aerlig, Babkha, Lemuria and Alteria. From now on the foreign affairs and military policies would be handled on the level of the Commonwealth, everything else on national level. Rashid tried to launch a set of badly needed reforms in Babkha, but due to absence of people in key positions (mainly in the Majlis) and due to bureaucracy, the reforms never took off.
With the formation of the Grand Commonwealth, Tahmaseb Shah was appointed as Shahan-Ri of the Grand Commonwealth. He decided it wouldn't be right to hold both the position of Shah in Babkha and that of Shahan-Ri in the Commonwealth, so he handed the position of Shah of Babkha back to Ardashir Khan. Ardashir later abdicated again, on 28 June 2007, in favor of Rashid Arsalani, who would reign over a dynamic rebirth of Babkha.
After the Grand Commonwealth
Following the return of past citizens, and the heightened interest of new citizens, the Kingdom of Babkha seceded from the Grand Commonwealth on 31 July 2007, following a vote in which nine of eleven citizens supported secession. Unlike the United Baronies of Aerlig and Treesia, which had seceded from the Commonwealth two days prior, Babkha did not seek the approval of the Commonwealth's Majlis-i-Dharma for its secession. Instead, the Kingdom legitimized its declaration of independence on the basis that the Grand Commonwealth Charter was a nationally-ratified law, and could thus be repealed at that level without having to go through the Commonwealth's internal mechanisms for secession.
For much of the remainder of the reign of Rashid Shah, Hesam Jahandar once again served as head of government and Babkha was the preeminent superpower of Micras. Babkha looked to new avenues of development at this time, too. It was during this period that Vizier of National Development Kufukhaf Iskander Khan, who had initially joined Babkha back in August 2002, began work on the Babkhi language project, which eventually earned him a FNORD award. Also during this time, Grand Vizier Jahandar made the enterpising step of proposing a 3D chat; while the idea didn't really pan out in Babkha, its was mention to King Alexander of Hanover provided the inspiration for Hanover's foray onto Second Life in New Bergen. The Hanoverians never gave Jahandar credit for the inspiration.
Recent events
Rashid Shah abdicated on 28 June 2008, giving the throne to Hesam Jahandar. The reign of Hesam Shah saw further development of cultural projects such as the Babkhi language. However, this period was also marked by increased apathy in Babkha as toward micronationalism. Babkha began planning a change in direction, away from being a micronation and towards being a community. As part of these changes, the Kingdom gave parts of the norther provinces of Alkhiva and Báatharz to Ashkenatza as a gift. Following Babkha's participation in the Amokolian War against Ocia, Babkha ceased to participate in the micronational community.
On 19 October 2009, Hesam Shah requested Babkha's removal from Micras. Five days later, he was replaced as Shah by Cyrus Namvari Shahanshah, who would lead the new Villainous Order of Babkhan Blackfriars. However, several things became clear during this era in Babkhan history. The VOBB gradually began to stagnate, as some established citizens, such as Kufukhaf Iskander Khan for an example, were less interested in such a community than a micronation. Without a purpose for existing, the title of Shah became more or less superfluous. Finally, the combination of the inactivity of the Shah, the appearance of slight instability in intermicronational relations and the renewal of several Babkhans' interest in micronationalism led to the re-emergence of the Babkhan micronation, now called the Imperial State of Babkha, on 4 August 2010. In the absence of the Shah, Kufukhaf Iskander Khan (who was renamed Truvus Roshnâm Slôbôvi on August 16) was declared Imperial Padishah Regent and Grand Vizier of Babkha and set out to form a government.
On 9 September 2010, Truvus Roshnâm Slôbôvi became the eighth Shah of Babkha after a Durbar of Emirs formally ruled that Cyrus Namvari Shahanshah. Shortly before his ascension to the throne, Truvus Roshnâm Shâh appointed Ardashir Khan Osmani to be the first Grand Vizier of his reign.
Government and politics
Babkha's government is presently in transition. In this transition, the Shah of Babkha is theoretically the absolute ruler of the state, but due to the prolonged absence of Cyrus Namvari Shahanshah, the reality is that Imperial Padishah Regent and Prime Minister Truvus Roshnâm Slôbôvi actually exercises much of this authority.
Foreign relations and military
Since Babkha has just begun to consider itself a micronation again, its foreign policy and military are still unsettled. There are, however, certain relationships that are particularly noteworthy.
Antica
Its relationship with Antica is presently Babkha's strongest intermicronational relationship. While the Antican Republic had initially sought non-alignment in the days of Babkha's rivalry with Shireroth, relations between Babkha and Antica began to warm thereafter. By the time of the Amokolian War, in which the two nations cooperated in the capture of Newport, Babkha and Antica were on track to being friends. The shift of Babkha to the VOBB placed this friendship on hold, however.
More recent developments have essentially demanded close relations between Antica and Babkha. One of the initial symptoms that Babkhans were contemplating a return to micronationalism came when several Babkhans joined Antica. As of August 19, 2010, the two nations share seven citizens. The two also share similar foreign policy objectives and are both old, well established, micronations. As of August 19, 2010, the two nations have entered into a strategic alliance under the Eagle-Camel Pact.
Ashkenatza
Babkha initially enjoyed good relations with Ashkenatza, from the date of the establishment of the former to the establishment of the VOBB. The two were particularly close allies under the Rozenkhan Declaration, through which alliance Babkha provided Ashkenatza with invaluable military advisers, armaments and support. As Babkha was preparing its transition to the VOBB, it gave Ashkenatza the gift of regions of northern Alkhiva and Báatharz which became the original core of Mahoz HaSephardim.
Relations between the two have hit an initial rough patch since Babkha's return, however. In the time during which Babkha was away from the MCS, Alexandria, Ashkenatza, Antica and Stormark engaged in a race for the former Babkhan homeland of Eura, resulting in the expansion of occidental Mahoz, as well as the possession of of a large and strategically significant portion of the eastern coast of Eura in oriental Mahoz. Upon Babkha's return to Eura, the Ashkenatzim immediately proposed the renewal of the Rozenkhan Declaration, with the addition of terms demanding Babkha's recognition of Mahoz. The Babkhan Minister of War and Foreign Affairs, the Emir of Raspur, countered with the proposition that Babkha would accept such terms if Ashkenatza gave Babkha the portion of Mahoz that lie along the eastern coast of Eura.
Initially, the Ashkenatzi envoy negotiating the terms indicated that Ashkenatza would be in favor of the Emir's proposal. Thereafter, in the popular micronational IRC chat #micronations, the Nohsi of Ashkenatza announced that such was off limits as the area was an integral part of Mahoz. Finally, in a post in Antica, the Nohsi stated that Ashkenatza had offered Babkha most of what it wants and that the Babkhans were the ones who were refusing to negotiate.
However, progress was made when, on 28 August 2010, when Askenatza agreed to cede the eastern coast of Eura back to Babkha. Both Ashkenatza and Babkha are now working on mending their relationship.
Elwynn
At the onset of the rebellions that took place in Shireroth in August 2010, Babkha initially supported the Laqi and Elwynnese rebels. Following the revelation that the Laqi Free Republic was merely an attempt at causing a Shirerithian civil war, Babkhan interest in the Laqi cause faded. However, Babkha remained interested in the Elwynnese rebellion and recognized Elwynn on August 5, 2010. Worthy of note is that Elwynn's two most prominent leaders are both citizens and former monarchs of Babkha.
Culture
Babkha has always been centered around a Persian cultural theme, albeit many people who don't recognize the differences between the various Middle Eastern cultures make the error of acting as if the theme is Arabic (which is nevertheless not totally untrue, as certain regions within Babkha do indeed have Arabic themes to them). Manifestations of this theme include the employment of Farsi titles, Persian names, etc., as well as some memes centering around people's perception of the middle east, such as the Babkhan Sandworm and the pronounced employment of camels.
Babkha has also developed some elements that were not derived from the theme. Examples of these include a dark, often perverse (some might call it degenerate) sense of humor, an unavoidable sense of pride in Babkha's historical achievements, a high propensity for alcohol use, a love of controversy and intrigue, and a high valuation of severity and volition.
Economy
Babkha does not presently have an active economic simulation. There appears to be some preliminary interest in joining the Small Commonwealth Unified Economy, but it is uncertain whether or not it would be feasible or likely that Babkha would join.
Geography
Babkha occupies the continent of Eura and has, at times within its lengthy history, controlled the entire landmass. Eura has a predominantly desert climate which varies in the northern and southern extremes of the continent. In the north, towards the Micran equator, the continent becomes more Mediterranean, especially in the area known as Baatharz. In the far south, the island nears the Antarctic of Micras, and is generally a colder area with isolated patches of dense forest, mostly in mountainous areas where water is concentrated. Otherwise, the southern portion of Eura is typified by permafrost.
The continent is punctuated by two large rivers connecting to two lakes, respectively. It's eastern and western shorelines are indented by large bays that contain small islands. The entire continent is surrounded by a number of small islands.
Flora
Fauna
Lions
The Lion was traditionally the national animal of the Persian Empire, and was adopted as such by Babak Kapav Mehr as national animal for Babkha in the early days. Due to the rising popularity of the camel and the absence of mentioning the lion anywhere but the coat of arms, the role of the lion was forgotten over the course of the years. In 2007 the lion was formally replaced by the camel as national animal.
Camels
The desert environment of Babkha made the camel a natural choice for local fauna. The popularity of the camel started as a joke between Malkom Khan and Ardashir Khan in 2002, who created the first camel accounts (The Squatting Camel of Babkha and the Camel Liberation Organization). These inspired more people to adopt camel alter ego's, with increasing frivolity (Royal Babkhan Camel Corps, The Dead Camel of Babkha, The Flying Camel of Babkha, The Exploding Camel of Babkha). This fauna insurgence got confined to the Shah Abbas Harem bar by the authorities soon after. A further manifestation of the camel in Babkhan culture was the development of the camel race game by Trevon Andarosel. In 2007 the camel replaced the lion as national animal of Babkha.
Sheep
The manifestation of the sheep in Babkhan tradition was inspired by the presence and pose of a sheep in the flag of the province Parestan. When Tahmaseb Farshbaf was appointed satrap of Parestan, a joke was made about a mutual affection between the Satrap and the sheep on his province's flag. This joke started a tradition still present today
Sandworms
The desert-like geography of Babkha inspired Trevon Andarosel to introduce the sandworm (from Frank Herbert's Dune novels) to Babkha in the wake of the camel insurgence. During the height of micronational bardom as lead by Ari Rahikkala, the Babkhan Sandworm became a rival to the Yardistani Annexation Corps, eating (instead of annexing) everything that came in its path. At a later stage the sandworm was more formally incorporated in Babkhan culture when Amir Shervanis included a sandworm reserve in his development of the province Zsharra.
Satrapies
Baatharz
Baatharz is the northernmost region of Babkha and is presently occupied by Antica, Ashkenatza, and Babkha. Baatharz began its life as a small micronation known as the Republic of Bathland, founded by one Thomas Mountain (also spelled Mountian) circa 2001. Mountain joined Babkha as one of its earliest citizens, and soon allowed Bathland to become a protectorate. By 2002 Mountain had departed from Babkha but Bathland remained a protectorate, first under the leadership of George Nantell, and later Umra Khan, where it became a center of Islamic Socialism. Under the reign of Shah Ardashir Khan Osmani, Bathland was annexed outright to the kingdom and became a satrapy. After this, Bathland fell into a state of inactivity and was all but forgotten save as a rural province of Babkha. In August of 2003, Amir Shervanis joined Babkha upon the invitation of the Shah and was appointed Satrap of Bathland. Shervanis immediately undertook a vast reorganization of the state and laid out a cultural framework that continues to exist today. Bathland was first officially made an Arabic state, a stark contrast to the rest of Persian Babkha, and even today the only Arab portion of the kingdom. It was also at this time that its name was changed from Bathland to the Arabic equivalent we now know as Baatharz (Baath meaning Renaissance + arz meaning land). This was indeed fitting considering that Baatharz did undertake a cultural renaissance. The arts prospered, and Shervanis became head of Babkha's grand cultural institution, the Dar Al Fanun, which was relocated to Baathshahr. Baatharz continued contributing to Babkhan culture, establishing education centers, developing graphic arts, breeding sandworms, and numerous other developments. Baatharz also spearheaded Babkha's membership in the Micronational Cartography Society and was a key player in the re-conquest of the south-western lands that would eventually become Zsharra.
After the collapse of the Babkhan kingdom, portions of Eura were claimed and settled by foreign powers. Among these was Antica, which proceeded to lay claim to a considerable portion of former Baatharzi territory. With the return to normality of the Babkhan monarchy and its re-assertion of control over most of Eura, Baatharz was left as only a small fragment along the Antican colony's southern border. The Shervanis dynasty has since re-located to Zsharra where they have become Emirs over that state and now manage the remnants of Baatharz with the long-term objective of eventually restoring the state to its former glory.
Kelestan
Parestan
Molivadia
Norasht
Razamin
Shahzamin
Zjandaria
Zsharra
Zsharra originated during the re-conquest of southwestern Eura from the anarchic tribes formed by the remnants of two micronations, Arkania and Northworthy. The name itself was a corruption of a term applied by Amir Shervanis, who led part of the re-conquest, when he was dictating a report in Arabic to one of his aides, who spoke Farsi and was ill-trained in Arabic translation. In trying to denote the area as desert (sahra in Arabic) the aide misinterpreted this as the name of the region and further misspelled it as Zsharra. The report made its way back to Kamalshahr and was officially recorded, thus setting in stone the name of the emirate.
The Anglo-Saxon population of Northworthy settled in the far southwestern corner of Eura, in an area known for its ice deserts and marked by large swaths of permafrost along with isolated pockets of coniferous forests. Arkania was Middle Eastern but had no defined culture save for being fervently communist, and was located directly north of Northworthy. The Arkanians also came into ownership of a colony founded by Mediterranea, Miditaranya Nuwo, located at the western extreme of the southern coast of Eura's western bay. With the collapse of both these states into anarchy, coupled with Babkha's anti-communist policies of the time, these factors set the stage for a multi-faceted re-conquest of the region.
